I turn to the coach. “Don’t wait up for me to bring her home,” I say, a challenge.
“Don’t wait for me to find out where you live and slice your balls off in your sleep.”
“I’ll bear that in mind.”
Casey pulls away from me to give her dad a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He nods, hardly overjoyed, but doesn’t say anything else. I grab Casey’s hand and lead her to my car. We climb inside and I start the engine as she clicks her seatbelt into place.
“Ready for an O’Connor evening?”
She turns to me, her eyes glowing, happiness seeping out of every pore. “I can’t wait.”
* * *
As soon aswe get toThe Bridge, I head straight for the table, where my brothers and Jamie are sitting. Tonight, everyone from the centre is here. They start their training again in a week, and the guys on the team wanted to organise a party to mark the start of the new season. I have nothing to do with it, obviously – I’m not on the team, and I’m not part of the centre – but I’m Nick, right? I’m always invited.
“Hey, mate!” Jamie says, getting to his feet. “Well, look who you’ve brought along…”
“Shut up,” I say, stopping him.
“Hey, Casey. I’m Jamie, the captain.”
“I know exactly who you are, Jamie Murray,” Casey says, accepting his outstretched hand. “My dad worships you.”
Jamie laughs, satisfied. “He’s not the only one.”
“Jesus, Casey! Don’t inflate his ego even more,” Ryan complains.
“Where are Riley and Chris?” I ask, sitting down.
“Dancing,” Ian responds, sipping his beer.
“Then why are you two over here?”
“Because they didn’t want us there.”
Casey bursts out laughing. Then she touches me arm lightly and whispers: “Do you mind if I go and join them?”
“Absolutely not. But please, stay away from those two,” I say, pointing to Scott and Jake, in the middle of the dance floor. “They sometimes let their hands wander, and I really don’t feel like beating anyone up tonight.”
“Don’t worry, I can defend myself.”
“I know that. But I’m not sure I could keep my fists to myself if they tried anything.”
Casey shakes her head, gives me a kiss, then heads towards the dance floor.
“Fuck, man,” Jamie says, right away. “She’s…”
“What?” I say, snapping around to face him.
Jamie’s expression sweetens. “She’s worth the risk.”
I exhale deeply, before responding. “She’s worth everything.”
* * *
As soon asJamie and I are alone at the table, I gather my courage and bring up the one subject I’ve been avoiding.
